We speak to the head of Zopa about the FCA’s credit clampdown and how to survive another financial crisis September 13, 2018 In the grand scheme of financial services, the peer-to-peer lending industry is young. With the sector now in its early teens, it’s this immaturity that often seems to spark questions about resilience, particularly how peer-to-peer companies would cope during another economic downturn. Those in defence of the industry tend to use Zopa as an example: a [...]
We speak to the head of Zopa about the FCA’s credit clampdown and how to survive another financial crisis September 13, 2018 In the grand scheme of financial services, the peer-to-peer lending industry is young. With the sector now in its early teens, it’s this immaturity that often seems to spark questions about resilience, particularly how peer-to-peer companies would cope during another economic downturn. Those in defence of the industry tend to use Zopa as an example: a [...]
As seen on TV: We get some tips on investing in film memorabilia September 12, 2018 I wasn't expecting to, but I grinned excitedly when I saw – with my very own eyes – two of the wand boxes from the first Harry Potter film. Maybe that’s just my inner fangirl shining through, but it’s that emotional reaction that has made the film memorabilia industry so huge. It’s that rare glimpse [...]
Despite recent emerging market struggles, there are plenty of reasons to invest in India September 11, 2018 Of all the emerging market economies, China usually garners the most attention. And with China often hogging the limelight, India can be the neglected cousin. Yet, there are plenty of reasons for investors to get excited about this developing nation, particularly as Chinese growth slows down. Admittedly, the burgeoning trade war with the US creates [...]
The tables have turned: How Ministry of Sound is shaking up the workspace September 7, 2018 It was 1991 when Ministry of Sound first opened its doors. Its founders had taken over a disused bus shelter in Elephant and Castle, and installed a massive sound system, fostering a subculture of clubbers who thrived on the underground music scene. At the time, there was nothing like it, and electronic dance music wasn’t [...]
Child trust funds: Should you trust your teenager with their financial future? September 6, 2018 On the surface, a product that is designed to encourage parents to save money for their children sounds ideal. But child trust funds (CTFs) are riddled with problems. The first CTFs reached maturity at the beginning of this month, potentially giving some 16-year-olds partial control over a big pot of cash. Introduced by the then [...]
Buy the company or the product? Consumers understand their favourite brands, so they should buy shares in the firm August 31, 2018 We've all been guilty of being swayed by the hype that surrounds fashionable items. The iPhone X is a perfect example of that. Unphased by the £1,000 price tag, fans pledged their money before the new phone even hit the shelves, while thousands camped outside Apple stores on the day of its release. But let’s [...]
Tips for travellers when shopping for a currency card August 23, 2018 Travellers cheques. Remember them? Cue confused expressions from anyone under 25. You may be surprised to hear that some banks still offer these cheques, which can be exchanged when you go abroad for hard currency (though you’re limited to just six of the major currencies). Fortunately, this outdated mode of currency exchange has now been [...]
Supermarket sweep: Which FTSE 100 grocer is the best buy? August 14, 2018 British supermarkets haven’t had an easy ride lately. There’s been plenty for them to worry about – the biggest being the rising cost of imports as sterling has continued to slide (the pound dropped to €1.11 and $1.28 last week). A weak pound has tightened profit margins. And with heavy competition from discount retailers, passing [...]
Forget ditching the Lifetime Isa – it should be evolved instead August 1, 2018 Last week, the Treasury Committee suggested that the year-old Lifetime Isa (Lisa) be killed off. This news came hot on the heels of rumours that the pensions dashboard might get the boot, just months before it was expected to go live. This government seems to have a knack for driving in reverse. And by [...]
